RF5G Network Equipment Manufacturers: Modem, Base Station, RAN & Core
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5G technology is revolutionizing connectivity, and the manufacturers of 5G equipment are leading this transformation. From modems and base stations to RAN, antenna arrays, and core networks, these companies are providing cutting-edge solutions.
Leading vendors are offering innovative products to enhance network speed, coverage, and efficiency. Explore the top manufacturers shaping the future of 5G, including Altiostar, Cisco Systems, Datang Telecom/Fiberhome, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, and ZTE.
What is 5G NR?
5G NR (New Radio) is a cellular standard developed by 3GPP, following the 4G LTE technology. It’s the fifth generation of radio access technology. The 5G NR specifications are defined in the 38 series release 16 and beyond by the 3GPP group.
The frequency bands used in 5G NR are mainly categorized into below 6 GHz and above 6GHz parts. The spectrum can be licensed, shared, or unlicensed.
In phase-1, 5G NR operates in non-standalone mode. Control operations are handled by a 4G LTE eNB, while data transfer occurs in 5G mode (between the 5G gNB and UE).
In phase-2, 5G NR operates in standalone mode, where control and data messages are exchanged between the 5G gNB (i.e., base station) and 5G UE (User Equipment or Mobile device). 5G NR offers enhanced data speed, ultra-low latency, and massive MTC to support numerous IoT devices.
As defined in 3GPP TS 38.300, the 5G NR network consists of NG RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) and 5GC (5G Core Network). As shown, NG-RAN is composed of gNBs (i.e., 5G Base stations) and ng-eNBs (i.e., LTE base stations). The figure above depicts the overall architecture of a 5G NR system and its components.
The figure above depicts the protocol stack layers in 5G gNB and its interfaces with other 5G core network components (i.e., AMF, UPF) and its peer gNB. Let us understand the functions of major components of the 5G New Radio Network.
5G Modem
A 5G modem is a device or chipset that enables communication between a user device and a 5G network. It supports ultra-fast data transfer speeds, low latency, and high reliability, making it essential for applications like streaming, online gaming, and IoT connectivity.
5G modems are integrated into smartphones, laptops, routers, and other connected devices, ensuring seamless access to 5G services. Advanced 5G modems also support standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) network architectures, enabling a smooth transition and backward compatibility with 4G LTE networks.
5G Base Station
A 5G base station is the critical infrastructure that provides wireless connectivity in 5G networks. It consists of antennas, transceivers, and digital processing units that transmit and receive radio signals between user devices and the network.
5G base stations operate on various frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and mmWave, to deliver ultra-low latency, high data throughput, and enhanced capacity. They support massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, enabling improved coverage and simultaneous connections for a large number of devices.
5G Core
The 5G core is the central component of the 5G network, responsible for managing data traffic, mobility, and network services. It employs a cloud-native, service-based architecture that ensures flexibility and scalability for diverse use cases.
The 5G core supports advanced features such as network slicing, which allows the creation of virtual networks tailored for specific applications like IoT, AR/VR, or autonomous vehicles. It also enhances security, reliability, and energy efficiency, enabling seamless connectivity for billions of devices globally.
5G RAN
The 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) is the interface between user devices and the 5G core network. It comprises base stations and small cells that manage radio communications, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and low-latency connections.
5G RAN supports various spectrum bands, including low, mid, and high (mmWave) frequencies, to provide widespread coverage and high-capacity connections. It leverages advanced technologies like beamforming and massive MIMO to optimize signal strength, improve network efficiency, and enhance user experiences in dense urban and rural areas alike.
5G Antenna Array
A 5G antenna array is an advanced configuration of multiple antennas working together to enhance signal strength, coverage, and capacity in 5G networks. These arrays support beamforming, which directs signals toward specific users or devices, minimizing interference and maximizing efficiency.
Operating across a wide frequency range, including mmWave bands, 5G antenna arrays are critical for achieving high-speed, low-latency communication. They are widely used in base stations, small cells, and user devices to enable reliable connectivity in diverse environments, from urban centers to remote locations.
5G Network Equipment Manufacturers
The following table mentions 5G Network Equipment manufacturers with part numbers and technical features.
| 5G Network Equipment manufacturers | Description with part numbers |
|---|---|
| Altiostar , MA, USA | • Altiostar vRAN software solution offers products at baseband, radio and network management levels. • Website : https://www.altiostar.com/ • Email : info@altiostar.com |
| Cisco Systems | • Solution : Cisco 5G Transport solution • Designed to support software defined 5G mobile network to support enhanced data rate, ultra low latency and massive ioT. • Products include NCS 540 fronthaul routers, NCS 500 series, NCS 5500 series and ASR 9000 series. • Website : https://www.cisco.com |
| Datang Telecom ( Acquired by Fiberhome ) | • The merger offers end to end network in 5G era. • It offers C-V2X OBU/RSU and chip level modules as per 3GPP specifications. • Datang Telecom Group, also known as CATT (i.e. China Academy of Telecommunications Technology) is as key contributor to 5G technology standardization. |
| Ericsson | • The company offers complete 5G Radio System which is used to build 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) to make 5G frequency waves available for 5G users. • The product called Ericsson 5G Radio Dot offers fast and flexible 5G indoor coverage. It operates on 5G midbands (i.e. 3-6 GHz) and delivers speeds up to 2 Gbps. • Using Ericsson Spectrum Sharing Software Solution, it is possible to share spectum between 4G and 5G dynamically at the same time and using existing same hardware. Hence it is easy to migrate to 5G NR network using existing 4G network equipment hardware. • Website : https://www.ericsson.com/en/networks/offerings/5g/offerings |
| Huawei Technologies | • It offers equipments to convert 4G site to 5G site. • The 5000 series radio units manufactured by Huawei include BBU5900, Blade RRU, EasyMacro, Massive MIMO units. • Huawei multimode base stations support 5G NR specifications, 4T4R and Massive MIMO. • C-band Massive MIMO AAU (Active Antenna Unit) offers high power and high bandwidth. Latest in the offering Model AAU5613 supports band n78 (3.5 GHz) and 64T64R massive MIMO configuration. • Huawei provides E2E 5G solutions for R15 commercialization which include Massive MIMO Macro (AAU5613, AAU5310, HAAU5213), Massive MIMO Pole Site, (HAAU5112, EasyBlink) Small cell (5G LampSite), 5G CPE device, Baseband (viz. BBU5900, CBU5900), Transport equipments (viz. microwavem IPRAN/PTN, FO OTN, WDM), Cloud based core and so on. |
| Nokia Finland | • The company offers end to end 5G services including radio system, core and transport systems. • Website : https://www.nokia.com/ |
| Qualcomm Technologies | • The company offers Snapdragon X60 which is a 5G Modem RF System . • It supports mmWave and sub-6 bands using FDD and TDD topologies. It houses QTM535 mmWave antenna module. • The company also develops other 5G NR chipsets , modules and platforms . |
| Samsung Electronics | • It offers end to end solutions for 5G network including chips (RF chipset, 5G modem), networking equipments (i.e. 5G mmwave access, 5G sub 6GHz access, virtualized access and core) and devices (i.e. mobile, 5G home router). • Company develops commercial massive MIMO solutions such as 64T/64R antenna along with configured radio. |
| ZTE Corporation | • It has recently developed 5G SA core network commercial equipment. • The China Telecom has conducted tests on 5G SA system with regard to testing its performance and stability. |
| NEC Corporation | • The company along with Rakuten Mobile Inc. have announced the introduction of 5G RU (Radio unit) jointly developed by them. • The RU supports 3.7 GHz band and houses massive MIMO in a single compact unit. • Both the companies are working together to develop Open RAN 5G Radio Equipments. |
Conclusion
The success of 5G networks depends on reliable equipment from trusted manufacturers. By adopting state-of-the-art modems, base stations, and antennas, businesses can stay ahead in the digital era. Partnering with leading vendors ensures high-performance networks for a connected future.
